Moscow, 24 October. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will visit Moscow on 27 October to attend the summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) chaired by Vladimir Putin, the Iranian embassy in Russia said.
"At this summit, the heads of member countries, observer countries and guest countries will express their views on strategic trends in the development of the global energy and natural gas market. The summit provides an opportunity to emphasise the need to continue cooperation between producing countries," the mission said.
The visit takes place against the backdrop of the US and Israeli war against Iran that began at the end of February and high oil and gas prices: on 23 October gas in Europe cost $1,072 per 1,000 cubic metres. The GECF brings together the largest gas producers, including Russia, Iran and Qatar.
What it means: Iran's president is travelling to Moscow for a gas exporters' summit at the height of the conflict with the United States.
Who benefits: Iran and Russia gain a venue for a top-level meeting. Gas-exporting countries gain an opportunity to coordinate positions, which the Iranian embassy says is necessary.
Background: The Gas Exporting Countries Forum was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Doha.
